ACT I., SCENE I.

HEARSAY, SLICER, SHAPE, MEANWELL.

HEAR. We're made, my boys, we're made! methinks I am Growing into a thing that will be worshipp'd.

SLICER. I shall sleep one day in my chain and scarlet At Spital-sermon.

SHAPE. Were not my wit such, I'd put out moneys of being Mayor. But, O this brain of mine! that's it that will Bar me the city honour.

HEAR. We're cri'd up O' th' sudden for the sole tutors of the age.

SHAPE. Esteem'd discreet, sage trainers up of youth.

HEAR. Our house becomes a place of visit now.

SLICER. In my poor judgment, 'tis as good my lady Should venture to commit her eldest son To us as to the Inns-of-Court: He'll be Undone here, only with less ceremony.

HEAR. Speak for our credit, my brave man of war. What, Meanwell, why so lumpish?

MEAN. Pray you, be quiet.

HEAR. Thou look'st as if thou plott'st the calling in O' th' Declaration, or the abolishing[116] O' th' common prayers. Cheer up; say something for us.

MEAN. Pray, vex me not.

SLICER. These foolish, puling sighs Are good for nothing, but to endanger buttons. Take heart of grace, man.[117]

MEAN. Fie, y' are troublesome!

HEAR. Nay, fare you well then, sir. [_Exeunt_ HEARSAY, SLICER, SHAPE.

MEAN. My father still Runs in my mind, meets all my thoughts, and doth Mingle himself in all my cogitations. Thus to see eager villains drag along Him unto whom they crouch'd! to see him hal'd, That ne'er knew what compulsion was, but when His virtues did incite him to good deeds, And keep my sword dry! O unequal nature! Why was I made so patient as to view, And not so strong as to redeem? Why should I Dare to behold, and yet not dare to rescue? Had I been destitute of weapons, yet Arm'd with the only name of son, I might Have outdone wonder. Naked piety Dares more than fury well-appointed[118]; blood Being never better sacrificed, than when It flows to him that gave it. But, alas! The envy of my fortune did allow That only which she could not take away-- Compassion, that which was not in those savage And knowing beasts, those engines of the law That even killed as uncontroll'd as that. How do I grieve when I consider from What hands he suffer'd! Hands that do excuse Th' indulgent prison, shackles being here A kind of rescue. Young man, 'tis not well To see thy aged father thus confin'd. Good, good old man! alas! thou'rt dead to me, Dead to the world, and only living to That which is more than death, thy misery! The grave could be a comfort: and shall I-- O, would this soul of mine--But death's the wish Of him that fears; he's lazy that would die. I'll live and see that thing of wealth, that worm Bred out of splendid muck, that citizen, Like his own sullied wares thrown by into Some unregarded corner; and my piety Shall be as famous as his avarice. His son, whom we have in our tuition, Shall be the subject of my good revenge: I'll count myself no child, till I have done Something that's worth that name. My brain shall be Busy in his undoing; and I will Plot ruin with religion: his disgrace Shall be my zeal's contrivement; and when this Shall style me son again, I hope 'twill be Counted not wrong, but duty. When that time Shall give my actions growth, I will cast off This brood of vipers, and will show that I Do hate the poison which I meant t' apply. [_Exit._